WSR 13-16-074

PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY

[Filed August 6, 2013, 8:29 a.m.]

Subject of Possible Rule Making: Chapter 220-72 WAC, Oyster diseases and pests, and specifically oyster drills.

Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 77.12.047.

Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: The department must amend the rules designating tideland areas infested with Japanese oyster drills in order to protect currently uninfested tidelands from the transfer of shellfish harboring oyster drills or their eggs. Surveys indicate that in some areas, Japanese oyster drills have expanded their range to include previously uninfested tidelands.

The department also seeks to correct several errors in the latitude/longitude descriptions of current drill-infested areas. These corrections will help perpetuate shellfish resources by minimizing the chances that Japanese oyster drills are spread through shellfish transfers.

Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: None.

Process for Developing New Rule: Agency study.

Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Lori Preuss, WDFW Rules Coordinator, 600 Capitol Way North, Olympia, WA 98501-1091, phone (360) 902-2930, fax (360) 902-2155, e-mail Lori.Preuss@dfw.wa.gov. Contact by September 20, 2013. Expected proposal filing on or after October 2, 2013.

August 6, 2013

Lori Preuss

Rules Coordinator